Jazz in the Mile High: Denver’s New Festival Swings into Town

Meet Denver Jazz Fest: A new celebration of local legends, historic venues, and pure rhythm.

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What's Happenin' Denver
April 02, 2025

The Inaugural Denver Jazz Fest Hits All the Right Notes

Hey Denver!

We always had a beat. You can hear it in the soulful horns echoing down Welton Street and in the late-night sets at dimly lit clubs. But now? It’s about to get even louder.

🎶 Denver’s New Jazz Era: A Festival is Born

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, and Denver’s ready to show the world how deep our jazz legacy runs. Denver is turning up the volume on its jazz roots with the very first Denver Jazz Fest — a four-day celebration of legendary local talent, international artists, and the city’s deep musical heritage. Spearheaded by industry veterans and powered by KUVO’s legendary airwaves, this fest promises more than music — it’s a movement. From historic Five Points to Boulder’s grand stages, more than 30 performances will take place April 3–6, 2025. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just jazz-curious, this is the moment to experience Denver’s rhythm up close.

🎺 Headliners to Watch:

  • Bill Frisell with Jenny Scheinman, Eyvind Kang, Hank Roberts, Thomas Morgan, and Rudy Royston
    Thu, Apr 3 | 7 PM @ Newman Center
    A nearly sold-out kickoff from one of the most iconic jazz guitarists alive.

  • Omar Sosa
    Thu, Apr 3 | 7 PM & 9:30 PM @ Dazzle
    Afro-Cuban piano meets global jazz grooves in a mesmerizing double set.

  • Charles McPherson & Terell Stafford
    Fri, Apr 4 | 7 PM & 9:30 PM @ Dazzle
    Bebop brilliance meets modern trumpet mastery.

  • Ghost-Note (with The Headhunters + Superimposition)
    Sat, Apr 5 | 7:30 PM @ Cervantes’
    Percussive funk with massive groove energy.

  • Dianne Reeves
    Sun, Apr 6 | 4 PM @ Newman Center
    A true hometown hero and five-time Grammy winner — not to be missed.

🎤 More Festival Highlights:

  • Rico Jones Quartet – Modern saxophone brilliance. Thu @ Nocturne

  • Ken Walker Sextet – Denver jazz royalty. Thu @ The Muse

  • GANAVYA – Haunting, experimental, spiritual jazz. Fri @ Boulder Theater

  • Danette Hollowell & the DJF Allstars – Soul, funk, and community vibes. Fri @ Mississippi Boy Catfish & Ribs

  • Joe Lovano’s Paramount Quartet – Jazz royalty in full force. Sat @ Boulder Theater

  • Marion Powers Quintet, Gabriel Mervine Quartet, Erica Brown & the Delta Sonics, and many more local legends.

🎷 Free Daytime Shows at Sculpture Park (Sat, April 5):

  • 12:00 PM – CCJA Jazz Messengers

  • 1:30 PM – Rico Jones

  • 3:00 PM – Erica Brown with the Delta Sonics

🎟️ Tips:

This is Denver’s jazz legacy in full swing. Let’s make history together.

Denver Trivia Time: Tunnel Vision 🚗

Which west-of-Denver tunnel, named after a U.S. president, is not only the longest mountain tunnel in the U.S. but also marks the highest point in the entire Interstate Highway System?

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Answer at the bottom of this issue!

🌆 Mile High Happenings & Weather ☀️❄️

Wednesday, April 2

– AM Snow Showers 🌡️ High: 49°F | Low: 30°F 💧 Chance of snow: 45% | 💨WNW winds at 13 mph

🆓 Free Events

🏛️ 2025 Stephen H. Hart Awards Celebration – Celebrate historic preservation in Colorado at this community event hosted by CBS’s Mekialaya White @ History Colorado Center, 5–8 PM (Free)

🏛️ Preservation for a New Day: Panel & Community Conversations – A conversation-driven event exploring housing, preservation, and community.@ History Colorado Center, 2:30–5 PM (Free)

💵 Ticketed Events

🎸 Anxious – With Ultra Q and Stateside.@ Globe Hall, 8 PM ($20+)

🎶 Dave Hanson Quartet – Celebrate the album release of “Blue Sky” with a night of jazz, blues, and Americana.@ Dazzle, 7–8:30 PM ($15–25)

🎭 Blippi: Join the Band Tour – Fun for the little ones!@ Paramount Theatre, 6 PM (Price Varies)

🎤 Brandt Tobler – Local comedy legend hits the stage.@ Comedy Works South, 7:30–9 PM ($14)

🏀 Denver Nuggets vs. San Antonio Spurs – Catch the Nuggets take on the Spurs.@ Ball Arena, 7 PM (Price Varies)

🎹 Kraftwerk: Multimedia Tour 2025 – 50 Years of Autobahn – Electro pioneers live in immersive multimedia.@ Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 8 PM (Price Varies)

🎵 säje – GRAMMY-winning female vocal supergroup.@ Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30–9:30 PM (TBA)

Thursday, April 3

PM Showers 🌡️ High: 42°F | Low: 30° 💧 Chance of rain: 39% | 💨 NNE winds at 10 mph

💵 Ticketed Events

🎶 Evening Elephants – Indie grooves and lyrical storytelling.@ Bluebird Theater, 8 PM ($25+)

🎸 Kyran Daniel – Guitarist bringing a mix of folk, jazz, and instrumental rock.@ Swallow Hill Music, 8 PM ($30+)

🎤 Luca Fogale – A night of indie-folk at Lost Lake.@ Lost Lake Lounge, 8 PM ($20+)

🍽️ Robert Irvine at Guard and Grace – A one-night-only dinner with the celebrity chef.@ Guard & Grace, 5:30–8:30 PM ($250+)

🏀 Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour – A hilarious, high-flying basketball experience.@ Ball Arena, 7 PM (Price Varies)

🎵 Russell Dickerson – Country-pop star hits the Mission Ballroom stage.@ Mission Ballroom, 8 PM (Price Varies)

Where are you heading this week? Tag us in your adventures! 🚀

🎷 That’s a Wrap, Denver!

From soulful saxophones to skyline snaps, we’re always looking for new ways to help you experience the city in full color. Whether you’re jazz-hopping downtown or just vibin’ with a spring walk in the park, thanks for letting us be part of your Denver days.

✅ Trivia Answer: A) Eisenhower Tunnel

This engineering marvel clocks in at over 11,000 feet above sea level and stretches nearly 1.7 miles through the Continental Divide. It’s the highest point on the U.S. Interstate Highway System—and the only place where traffic jams come with breathtaking altitude.

Catch you Friay with more what’s happenin’ around town. ✌️

—The What’s Happenin’ Denver Team

Planning your next Colorado adventure? Check out more fun beyond Denver:

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